Ord 63-01ORDINANCE NO. 63-01
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY
OF DELRAY BEACH, FLORIDA, PROVIDING FOR CHARTER
REVISIONS BY AMENDING THE CHARTER OF THE CITY
OF DELRAY BEACH, ARTICLE III, "LEGISLATIVE", SECTION
3.01, "COMMISSION.CITY MANAGER FORM OF
GOVERNMENT; TERM OF OFFICE; NUMBER; OFFICES OF
VICE.MAYOR AND DEPUTY VICE-MAYOR; SUCCESSION
TO THE OFFICE OF MAYOR", PROVIDING FOR THE
LENGTH OF THE MAYOR'S TERM IF ELECTED AT A
SPECIAL ELECTION; BY REPEALING SECTION 3.06(d),
"VACANCIES; FORFEITURE OF OFFICE; FILLING OF
VACANCIES", AND ENACTING A NEW SECTION 3.06(d),
"FILLING A VACANCY IN THE OFFICE OF MAYOR" AND
SUBSECTIONS 3.06(d)(1)(2)(3)(4) AND (5); TO PROVIDE FOR
FILLING A VACANCY IN THE OFFICE OF MAYOR; BY
AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 62-01 BY REPEALING
SECTIONS 3.08(b)(1)(2) AND (3) OF ORDINANCE NO. 62-01
AND ENACTING A NEW SECTION 3.08, "FILLING OF A
VACANCY IN THE OFFICE OF MAYOR" AND
SUBSECTIONS 3.08(b)(1)(2) AND (3), TO PROVIDE FOR THE
FILLING OF VACANCY IN THE OFFICE OF MAYOR,
PROVIDING FOR THE LENGTH OF THE MAYOR'S TERM IF
ELECTED AT A SPECIAL ELECTION, PROVIDING FOR THE
VICE-MAYOR TO SERVE AS MAYOR UNTIL THE NEXT
ELECTION IF 60 OR MORE DAYS REMAIN UNTIL THE
NEXT ELECTION OR IF LESS THAN 60 DAYS REMAIN
REQUIRING A SPECIAL ELECTION TO FILL THE VACANCY
IN THE OFFICE OF MAYOR, PROVIDING FOR THE
QUALIFICATION OF CANDIDATES FOR A SPECIAL
ELECTION TO FILL A VACANCY IN THE OFFICE OF
MAYOR, THE DATE OF ASSUMPTION OF OFFICE OF THE
MAYOR ELECTED AT THE SPECIAL ELECTION,
PROVIDING THAT THE TERM OF THE COMMISSIONER
FILLING A VACANCY CREATED BY THE VICE.MAYOR
SUCCEEDING AS MAYOR SHALL BE ONLY UNTIL THE
NEXT ELECTION INSTEAD OF FOR THE MAYOR'S TERM
OF OFFICE, UNLESS A VACANCY IS CREATED LESS THAN
60 DAYS BEFORE THE ELECTION THEN THE SEAT SHALL
REMAIN VACANT UNTIL ALTER A MAYOR IS ELECTED AT
THE SPECIAL ELECTION; PROVIDING FOR THE FILLING
OF VACANCIES IN THE OFFICE OF VICE.MAYOR AND
DEPUTY VICE.MAYOR; PROVIDING FOR A REFERENDUM
ON MARCH 12, 2002; PROVIDING A GENERAL REPEALER
CLAUSE; PROVIDING A SAVING CLAUSE; PROVIDING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, the City Commission, after a review of many proposals, has decided to
put the Question set forth in this Ordinance to a vote of the electorate; and
WHEREAS, the City Commission desires to amend Ordinance No. 62431 if the
electorate votes for its passage, and if not to amend the current City Charter as herein provided.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COMMISSION OF
THE CITY OF DELRAY BEACH, FLORIDA~
Section 1. That Article III, Legislative", Section 3.01, "Commission-City
Manager Form of Government; Term of Office; Number; Offices of Vice-Mayor and Deputy Vice-
Mayor; Succession to Office of Mayor" of the City Charter of the City of Delray Beach, Florida,
Chapter 24788, Laws of Florida, Special Act of 1949 and amendments thereto is hereby amended
by amending Section 3.01(a), to read as follows:
(a) There shall be a Commission with all legislative powers of the City vested
therein. The Commission shall be composed of five (5) commissioners, all of whom shall
be qualified electors and have such other qualifications as are prescribed by law, one of
whom shall be duly elected Mayor, all of whom shall be elected at large for a term of two
(2) years in the manner provided in this charter. The Mayor and Commissioners shall
assume office on the last Thursday in March following their election or on the last Friday
in March should the last Thursday fall on a legal holiday or as otherwise provided in this
charter. In the event a vacancy shall occur in the office of Mayor, the Vice-Mayor shall
automatically become Mayor. In the event a vacancy shall occur in the office of Vice-
Mayor, the Deputy Vice-Mayor shall automatically become Vice-Mayor, and a new Deputy
Vice-Mayor shall be selected by the Commission. Two (2) Commissioners shall be elected
in even-numbered years, and two (2) Commissioners shall be elected in odd-numbered
years, unless a vacancy or vacancies exist, in which event successors for the filling of any
unexpired term or terms shall be elected or appointed as herein provided, in order to carry
our the intent and meaning of this charter. Furthermore, the Mayor shall be elected for a
two (2) year term, whether by regular election or election to fill a vacancy in the office of
the Mayor, and without regard to whether such election is held in an even or odd-
numbered year. If a special election is held to fill a vacancy in the office of Mayor, the
2 ORD NO. 63-01
duration of the Mayor's term of office will be for two years commencing on the last
Thursday in March prior to the special election.
Section 2. That Article III, "Legislative", Section 3.02, "City Commission:
Composition, Eligibility, Election, and Terms", of the City Charter of the City of Delray Beach,
Florida, Chapter 24788, Laws of Florida, Special Act of 1949 and amendments thereto, as
amended by Ordinance No. 62431 is hereby amended by amending Section 3.02 of Ordinance No.
62431, "City Commission: Composition, Eligibility, Election, and Terms", Section 3.03 Of
Ordinance No. 62431, "Qualifications of Candidates; Election" and Section 3.04, "Assumption of
Office" of Ordinance No. 62431 to read as follows:
Section 3.02. CITY COMMISSION: COMPOSITION, ELIGIBILITY,
ELECTION. AND TERMS
(a) Composition and Term. The City Commission shall be composed of five
(5) Commissioners, one of whom shall be duly elected Mayor. All of them shall be elected
at large for a term of two (2) years in the manner provided in this Charter.
(b) Staggered Terms. Two (2) Commissioners shall be elected in even-
numbered years, and two (2) Commissioners shall be elected in odd-numbered years. The
Mayor may be elected in an even or odd-numbered year.
(c) Length of Mayor's Term. If a special election is held to fill a vacancy in the
office of Mayor, the duration of the Mayor's term of office will be for two years
commencing on the last Thursday in March prior to the special election.
(d) Terms as a Result of a Vacancy. In the event of vacancies, successors shall
be appointed or elected in the manner provided in this Charter.
Section 3.03. QUALIFICATIONS OF CANDIDATES; ELECTION
(a) Regulation of Qualifications. The qualifications, time, manner, and costs
of qualifying as a candidate for Mayor or Commissioner shall be regulated by Chapter 34
of the Code of Ordinances of the City.
(b) Filing of Candidates' Petitions. All candidate petitions shall be filed with
the City Clerk no earlier than noon on the last Tuesday in January and no later than noon
3 ORD NO. 63-01
on the second Tuesday in February of the calendar year in which the election will be held
provided; however, if a special election to fill a vacancy in the office of Mayor is to be held,
the time for qualiOing shall be as provided by this Charter and Chapter 34 of the Code of
Ordinances of the City of Delray Beach.
(c) Names of Candidates. The City Clerk shall deliver the names of all
candidates and the offices for which they have filed, to the Supervisor of Elections no later
than 5:00 p.m. on the first Friday after the close of qualifying.
Section 3.04. ASSUMPTION OF OFFICE
(a) Assumption of Office. The successful candidates for Mayor and
Commissioners shall assume office on the last Thursday in March following the regular
election. The Commission shall hold an organizational meeting immediately thereafter,
and shall select from the Commissioners other than the Mayor, a Vice-Mayor and a Deputy
Vice-Mayor. These two officials shall serve in their respective capacities at the pleasure of
the Commission until the organizational meeting of the following year.
(b) Assumption of Office for Appointees and those elected at a Special
Election. A person appointed to fill a vacancy or to fill a vacancy in the office of Mayor by
electing a Mayor at a special election shall assume office at the first regular meeting of the
Commission after being so appointed or elected.
Section 3. That Article III, "Legislative", Section 3.06, "Vacancies; Forfeiture of
Office; Filling of Vacancies", of the City Charter of the City of Delray Beach, Florida, Chapter
24788, Laws of Florida, Special Act of 1949 and amendments thereto, is hereby amended by
repealing Section 3.06(d) enacting a new Section 3.06(d), "Vacancy in Office of Mayor" and
enacting new subsections 3.06(d)(1) (2)(3)(4) and (5) to read as follows:
(d) Vacancy in Office of Mayor.
(1) If a vacancy in the office of Mayor occurs sixty (60) or more calendar
days preceding the date of the next regular City election, there will be an election to fill the
Mayor's seat, which will be held at the time of the next regular City election. If a vacancy
occurs in the office of Mayor less than sixty (60) calendar days preceding the date of the
regular City election, the Mayor shall be elected at a special election to be held on the
second Tuesday in May. If a special election is held to fill the office of Mayor, those
persons who previously qualified to run for the Mayor's seat and other candidates who
qualifi/pursuant to this charter and Chapter 34 of the Code of Ordinances may run for the
Mayor's seat to be filled at the special election. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary,
4 ORD NO. 63-01
the Mayor elected at the special election shall assume office at the first regular meeting of
the Commission after being elected.
(2) No matter when a vacancy occurs in the office of Mayor, the Vice-
Mayor shall automatically succeed to the office of Mayor and shall serve until the last
Thursday in March following the next regular City election. Thereafter, the Vice-Mayor
shall return to his or her former seat and complete the remainder of his or her
Commission term if any part thereof remains unexpired. If a special election is called to
fill a vacancy in the office of Mayor, the Vice-Mayor selected at the organizational meeting
held after the regular election and prior to the special election shall serve until a new
Mayor is seated and thereafter shall return to his or her seat.
(3) The succession to the office of Mayor by the Vice-Mayor shall create
a vacancy in the Commission, which shall be filled in the manner set forth in this charter,
except the Commissioner appointed to fill the vacancy created on the Commission as a
result of a vacancy in the office of Mayor that occurs sixty (60) or more days before the next
election, shall serve only until the last Thursday in March following the next City election.
If the vacancy on the Commission occurs as a result of a vacancy in the office of Mayor less
than sixty (60) days prior to the next regular election, the Commission seat shall remain
vacant notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained within this charter until after
the assumption of office of the Mayor after the special election.
(4) If the Vice-Mayor is unable or unwilling to succeed to the office of
Mayor, then the Deputy Vice-Mayor shall succeed to the office of Mayor. If the Deputy
Vice-Mayor is unable or unwilling to succeed to the office of Mayor, the Commission shall
then select a Mayor from the remaining Commissioners. If the Commission is unable to
select a Mayor by the end of the second regular meeting after the vacancy, then a special
election shall be held for the election of the Mayor.
(5) If a vacancy occurs in the office of Vice-Mayor, the Deputy Vice-
Mayor sh~ll automatically become Vice-Mayor and a new Deputy Vice-Mayor shall be
selected by the Commission. If a vacancy occurs in the office of Deputy Vice-Mayor, the
Commission shall then select a new Deputy Vice-Mayor.
Section 4. That Article III, "Legislative", Section 3.06(d) of the City Charter
and Chapter 24788 of the Laws of Florida and Special Act of 1949 and amendments thereto are
hereby amended by amending Ordinance No. 62-01, Section 3.08, which is amended by repealing
Subsections 3.08(b)(1)(2) and (3) of Ordinance No. 62-01 and enacting new Subsections
3.08(b)(1)(2) and (3) of Ordinance No. 62-01 to read as follows:
5 ORD NO. 63-01
(b) Vacancy in Office of Mayor.
(1) If a vacancy in the office of Mayor occurs at least sixty (60) or more
calendar days preceding the date of the next regular City election, there will be an election
to fill the Mayor's seat which will be held at the time of the next regular City election. If a
vacancy occurs in the office of Mayor less than sixty (60) calendar days preceding the date
of the regular City election, the Mayor shall be elected at a special election to be held on
the second Tuesday in May. If a special election is held to fill the office of Mayor, those
persons who previously qualified to run for the Mayor's seat and other candidates who
qualify pursuant to this Charter and Chapter 34 of the Code of Ordinances may run for
the Mayor's seat to be filled at the special election. Notwithstanding anything to the
contrary, the Mayor elected at the special election shall assume office at the first regular
meeting after being elected.
(2) When a vacancy occurs in the office of Mayor, the Vice-Mayor shall
automatically succeed to the office of Mayor and shall serve until the last Thursday in
March following the next regular City election. Thereafter, the Vice-Mayor shall return to
his or her former seat and complete the remainder of his or her Commission term ff any
part thereof remains unexpired. If a special election is called to fill a vacancy in the office
of Mayor, the Vice-Mayor selected at the organizational meeting shall serve until a new
Mayor is seated and shall thereafter return to his or her seat.
(3) The succession of the office of Mayor by the Vice-Mayor shall create
a vacancy in the Commission. The vacancy on the Commission shall be filled in the
manner set forth in this Charter except the Commissioner appointed to fill the vacancy
created on the Commission as a result of a vacancy in the office of Mayor that occurs sixty
(60) days or more before the next election shall serve only until the last Thursday in March
following the next regular City election. If a vacancy occurs on the Commission as a result
of a vacancy in the office of Mayor less than sixty (60) days before the next election, the
Commission seat shall remain vacant, notwithstanding anything to the contrary within this
Charter until after the assumption of office of the Mayor after the special election.
Section 5.
follows:
That Section 1, 2, 3 and 4 of this ordinance shall be effective as
If Question 1 in Ordinance No. 62-01 is not approved by the electors but the
electors approve of the question in Section 6 of this ordinance, then only Section 1 and
Section 3 of this ordinance shall have passed and Section 2 and Section 4, which amend
Ordinance No. 62-01 will be null and void. However, if Ordinance No. 62-01 is approved
by the electors and the electors as herein provided approve of the question set forth in this
Section 6 herein, then Section 2 and Section 4 of this Ordinance No. 63-01 shall have
6 ORD NO. 63-01
passed and Section 1 and Section 3, which amends the Charter as currently set forth, will
be null and void. If the electors disapprove of the question provided for in this ordinance,
then this ordinance will be deemed null and void in its entirety.
Section 6. This ordinance shall be effective as provided in Section 5 above.
The majority of the electors voting at the election to be held March 12, 2002, shall either approve
or disapprove of the question which will be presented substantially as follows:
Question 2
CHARTER REVISION RELATING TO THE FILLING OF A VACANCY IN
THE OFFICE OF MAYOR.
A CITY OF DELRAY BEACH CHARTER AMENDMENT REQUIRING A
SPECIAL ELECTION TO BE HELD IF A MAYORAL VACANCY OCCURS
LESS THAN 60 DAYS BEFORE THE NEXT REGULAR ELECTION,
PROVIDING FOR ASSUMPTION OF OFFICE, CLARIFYING THE TERMS
OF THE MAYOR AND COMMISSIONER WHEN FILLING A MAYORAL
VACANCY, PROVIDING FOR EXTENDED QUALIFYING PERIODS IN
THE EVENT OF SUCH SPECIAL ELECTION AND RELATED MATTERS.
SHOULD THE ABOVE-DESCRIBED CHARTER AMENDMENT BE
ADOPTED?
YES (FOR APPROVAL) .....
NO (AGAINST APPROVAL) ....
Section 7. That upon the approval of this ordinance by the electors as set forth
above, all ordinances or parts of ordinances or Charter provisions or parts of Charter provisions in
conflict herewith shall be and the same are hereby repealed as of the effective date of this
ordinance.
Section 8. That if any clause, section or other part of this ordinance shall be
declared invalid or unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remainder of this
ordinance shall not be affected thereby but shall remain in full force and effect.
Section 9. That this ordinance shall become effective upon passage on second
and final reading and in accordance with Section 5 herein.
7 ORD NO. 63-01
PASSE~ AND ADOPTED in regular session on second and final reading on this
the e~~''v day of_ ____, 200a~
ATTEST:
City Clerk
First Readin .~5'
Second R e a d ing~_-_ _~,_ ,a~ov~
MAYOR
8 ORD NO. 63-01
RECEIVED
[ITY OF DELRR¥ BER[H
D£C ! 9 ~001
CITY MANAGER
CITY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
200 NW Ist AVENUE · DELRAY BEACH, FLORIDA 33444
TELEPHONE 561/243-7090 · FACSIMILE 561/278-4755
1993
DATE:
TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
Writer's Direct Line: 561/243-7091
MEMORANDUM
December 19, 2001
City Commission
Susan A. Ruby, City Attorney
Ordinance No. 63-01 Revision to the City Charter
Ordinance No. 63-01 amends the current City Charter or, if passed at referendum,
Ordinance No. 62-01. The ordinance provides:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
If there is a vacancy in the office of Mayor which occurs 60 or more
days before the next election, an election will be held to fill the
vacancy at the next regular election.
If there is a vacancy in the office of Mayor which occurs less than 60
days before the next regular election, there will be a special election
to fill the office of Mayor on the second Tuesday in May and any
resulting vacancy on the Commission (created as a result of the
Vice-Mayor serving as Mayor) will be filled after the special election.
Provides for the Vice-Mayor to succeed as Mayor until a new Mayor
is elected.
Provides the Mayor's term upon election to fill a vacancy will be two
years.
Provides for extended qualifying periods if a special election is to be
held.
The ordinance will be effective if approved by the voters.
Please call if you have any questions.
SAF
CC:
David T. Harden, City Manager
Barbara Garito, City Clerk
/o.D.
ORDINANCE NO. 63-01
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY
OF DELRAY BEACH, FLORIDA, PROVIDING FOR CHARTER
REVISIONS BY AMENDING THE CHARTER OF THE CITY
OF DELRAY BEACH, ARTICLE III, "LEGISLATIVE", SECTION
3.01, "COMMISSION-CITY MANAGER FORM OF
GOVERNMENT; TERM OF OFFICE; NUMBER; OFFICES OF
VICE-MAYOR AND DEPUTY VIGbMAYOR; SUCCESSION
TO THE OFFICE OF MAYOR", PROVIDING FOR THE
LENGTH OF THE MAYOR'S TERM IF ELECTED AT A
SPECIAL ELECTION; BY REPEALING SECTION 3.06(d),
"VACANCIES; FORFEITURE OF OFFICE; FILLING OF
VACANCIES", AND ENACTING A NEW SECTION 3.06(d),
"FILLING A VACANCY IN THE OFFICE OF MAYOR" AND
SUBSECTIONS 3.06(d)(1)(2)(3)(4) AND (5); TO PROVIDE FOR
FILLING A VACANCY IN THE OFFICE OF MAYOR; BY
AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 62-01 BY REPEALING
SECTIONS 3.08(b)(1)(2) AND (3) OF ORDINANCE NO. 62-01
AND ENACTING A NEW SECTION 3.08, "FILLING OF A
VACANCY IN THE OFFICE OF MAYOR" AND
SUBSECTIONS 3.08(b)(1)(2) AND (3), TO PROVIDE FOR THE
FILLING OF VACANCY IN THE OFFICE OF MAYOR,
PROVIDING FOR THE LENGTH OF THE MAYOR'S TERM IF
ELECTED AT A SPECIAL ELECTION, PROVIDING FOR THE
VICE. MAYOR TO SERVE AS MAYOR UNTIL THE NEXT
ELECTION IF 60 OR MORE DAYS REMAIN UNTIL THE
NEXT ELECTION OR IF LESS THAN 60 DAYS REMAIN
REQUIRING A SPECIAL ELECTION TO FILL THE VACANCY
IN THE OFFICE OF MAYOR, PROVIDING FOR THE
QUALIFICATION OF CANDIDATES FOR A SPECIAL
ELECTION TO FILL A VACANCY IN THE OFFICE OF
MAYOR, THE DATE OF ASSUMPTION OF OFFICE OF THE
MAYOR ELECTED AT THE SPECIAL ELECTION,
PROVIDING THAT THE TERM OF THE COMMISSIONER
FILLING A VACANCY CREATED BY THE VICE-MAYOR
SUCCEEDING AS MAYOR SHALL BE ONLY UNTIL THE
NEXT ELECTION INSTEAD OF FOR THE MAYOR'S TERM
OF OFFICE, UNLESS A VACANCY IS CREATED LESS THAN
60 DAYS BEFORE THE ELECTION THEN THE SEAT SHALL
REMAIN VACANT UNTIL AFTER A MAYOR IS ELECTED AT
THE SPECIAL ELECTION; PROVIDING FOR THE FILLING
OF VACANCIES IN THE OFFICE OF VICE-MAYOR AND
DEPUTY VICE-MAYOR; PROVIDING FOR A REFERENDUM
ON MARCH 12, 2002; PROVIDING A GENERAL REPEALER
CLAUSE; PROVIDING A SAVING CLAUSE; PROVIDING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, the City Commission, after a review of many proposals, has decided to
put the Question set forth in this Ordinance to a vote of the electorate; and
WHEREAS, the City Commission desires to amend Ordinance No. 62-01 ff the
electorate votes for its passage, and ff not to amend the current City Charter as herein provided.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COMMISSION OF
THE CITY OF DELRAY BEACH, FLORIDA:
Section 1. That Article III, Legislative", Section 3.01, "Commission-City
Manager Form of Government; Term of Office; Number; Offices of Vice-Mayor and Deputy Vice-
Mayor; Succession to Office of Mayor" of the City Charter of the City of Delray Beach, Florida,
Chapter 24788, Laws of Florida, Special Act of 1949 and amendments thereto is hereby amended
by amending Section 3.01(a), to read as follows:
(a) There shall be a Commission with all legislative powers of the City vested
therein. The Commission shall be composed of five (5) commissioners, all of whom shall
be qualified electors and have such other qualifications as are prescribed by law, one of
whom shall be duly elected Mayor, all of whom shall be elected at large for a term of two
(2) years in the manner provided in this charter. The Mayor and Commissioners shall
assume office on the last Thursday in March following their election or on the last Friday
in March should the last Thursday fall on a legal holiday or as otherwise provided in this
charter. In the event a vacancy shall occur in the office of Mayor, the Vice-Mayor shall
automatically become Mayor. In the event a vacancy shall occur in the office of Vice-
Mayor, the Deputy Vice-Mayor shall automatically become Vice-Mayor, and a new Deputy
Vice-Mayor shall be selected by the Commission. Two (2) Commissioners shall be elected
in even-numbered years, and two (2) Commissioners shall be elected in odd-numbered
years, unless a vacancy or vacancies exist, in which event successors for the filling of any
unexpired term or terms shall be elected or appointed as herein provided, in order to carry
our the intent and meaning of this charter. Furthermore, the Mayor shall be elected for a
two (2) year term, whether by regular election or election to fill a vacancy in the office of
the Mayor, and without regard to whether such election is held in an even or odd-
numbered year. If a special election is held to fill a vacancy in the office of Mayor, the
2 ORD NO. 63-01
duration of the Mayor's term of office will be for two years commencing on the last
Thursday in March prior to the special election.
Section 2. That Article III, "Legislative", Section 3.02, "City Commission:
Composition, Eligibility, Election, and Terms", of the City Charter of the City of Delray Beach,
Florida, Chapter 24788, Laws of Florida, Special Act of 1949 and amendments thereto, as
amended by Ordinance No. 62-01 is hereby amended by amending Section 3.02 of Ordinance No.
62-01, "City Commission: Composition, Eligibility, Election, and Terms", Section 3.03 Of
Ordinance No. 62-01, "Qualifications of Candidates; Election" and Section 3.04, "Assumption of
Office" of Ordinance No. 62-01 to read as follows:
Section 3.02. CITY COMMISSION: COMPOSITION, ELIGIBILITY,
ELECTION, AND TERMS
(a) Composition and Term. The City Commission shall be composed of five
(5) Commissioners, one of whom shall be duly elected Mayor. All of them shall be elected
at large for a term of two (2) years in the manner provided in this Charter.
(b) Staggered Terms. Two (2) Commissioners shall be elected in even-
numbered years, and two (2) Commissioners shall be elected in odd-numbered years. The
Mayor may be elected in an even or odd-numbered year.
(c) Length of Mayor's Term. If a special election is held to fill a vacancy in the
office of Mayor, the duration of the Mayor's term of office will be for two years
commencing on the last Thursday in March prior to the special election.
(d) Terms as a Result of a Vacancy. In the event of vacancies, successors shall
be appointed or elected in the manner provided in this Charter.
Section 3.03. OUALIFICATIONS OF CANDIDATES; ELECTION
(a) Regulation of Qualifications. The qualifications, time, manner, and costs
of qualifying as a candidate for Mayor or Commissioner shall be regulated by Chapter 34
of the Code of Ordinances of the City.
(b) Filing of Candidates' Petitions. All candidate petitions shall be filed with
the City Clerk no earlier than noon on the last Tuesday in January and no later than noon
3 ORD NO. 63-01
on the second Tuesday in February of the calendar year in which the election will be held
provided; however, if a special election to fill a vacancy in the office of Mayor is to be held,
the time for qualifying shall be as provided by this Charter and Chapter 34 of the Code of
Ordinances of the City of Delray Beach.
(c) Names of Candidates. The City Clerk shall deliver the names of all
candidates and the offices for which they have filed, to the Supervisor of Elections no later
than 5:00 p.m. on the first Friday after the dose of qualifying.
Section 3.04. ASSUMPTION OF OFFICE
(a) Assumption of Office. The successful candidates for Mayor and
Commissioners shall assume office on the last Thursday in March following the regular
election. The Commission shall hold an organizational meeting immediately thereafter,
and shall select from the Commissioners other than the Mayor, a Vice-Mayor and a Deputy
Vice-Mayor. These two officials shall serve in their respective capacities at the pleasure of
the Commission until the organizational meeting of the following year.
(b) Assumption of Office for Appointees and those elected at a Special
Election. A person appointed to fill a vacancy or to fill a vacancy in the office of Mayor by
electing a Mayor at a special election shall assume office at the first regular meeting of the
Commission after being so appointed or elected.
Section 3. That Article III, "Legislative", Section 3.06, "Vacancies; Forfeiture of
Office; Filling of Vacancies", of the City Charter of the City of Delray Beach, Florida, Chapter
24788, Laws of Florida, Special Act of 1949 and amendments thereto, is hereby amended by
repealing Section 3.06(d) enacting a new Section 3.06(d), "Vacancy in Office of Mayor" and
enacting new subsections 3.06(d)(1) (2)(3)(4) and (5) to read as follows:
(d) Vacancy in Office of Mayor.
(1) If a vacancy in the office of Mayor occurs sixty (60) or more calendar
days preceding the date of the next regular City election, there will be an election to fill the
Mayor's seat, which will be held at the time of the next regular City election. If a vacancy
occurs in the office of Mayor less than sixty (60) calendar days preceding the date of the
regular City election, the Mayor shall be elected at a special election to be held on the
second Tuesday in May. If a special election is held to fill the office of Mayor, those
persons who previously qualified to run for the Mayor's seat and other candidates who
qualify pursuant to this charter and Chapter 34 of the Code of Ordinances may run for the
Mayor's seat to be filled at the special election. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary,
4 ORD NO. 63-01
the Mayor elected at the special election shall assume office at the first regular meeting of
the Commission after being elected.
(2) No matter when a vacancy occurs in the office of Mayor, the Vice-
Mayor shall automatically succeed to the office of Mayor and shall serve until the last
Thursday in March following the next regular City election. Thereafter, the Vice-Mayor
shall return to his or her former seat and complete the remainder of his or her
Commission term if any part thereof remains unexpired. If a special election is called to
fill a vacancy in the office of Mayor, the Vice-Mayor selected at the organizational meeting
held after the regular election and prior to the special election shall serve until a new
Mayor is seated and thereafter shall return to his or her seat.
(3) The succession to the office of Mayor by the Vice-Mayor shall create
a vacancy in the Commission, which shall be filled in the manner set forth in this charter,
except the Commissioner appointed to fill the vacancy created on the Commission as a
result of a vacancy in the office of Mayor that occurs sixty (60) or more days before the next
election, shall serve only until the last Thursday in March following the next City election.
If the vacancy on the Commission occurs as a result of a vacancy in the office of Mayor less
than sixty (60) days prior to the next regular election, the Commission seat shall remain
vacant notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained within this charter until after
the assumption of office of the Mayor after the special election.
(4) If the Vice-Mayor is unable or unwilling to succeed to the office of
Mayor, then the Deputy Vice-Mayor shall succeed to the office of Mayor. If the Deputy
Vice-Mayor is unable or unwilling to succeed to the office of Mayor, the Commission shall
then select a Mayor from the remaining Commissioners. If the Commission is unable to
select a Mayor by the end of the second regular meeting after the vacancy, then a special
election shall be held for the election of the Mayor.
(5) If a vacancy occurs in the office of Vice-Mayor, the Deputy Vice-
Mayor shall automatically become Vice-Mayor and a new Deputy Vice-Mayor shall be
selected by the Commission. If a vacancy occurs in the office of Deputy Vice-Mayor, the
Commission shall then select a new Deputy Vice-Mayor.
Section z}. That Article III, "Legislative", Section 3.06(d) of the City Charter
and Chapter 24788 of the Laws of Florida and Special Act of 1949 and amendments thereto are
hereby amended by amending Ordinance No. 62-01, Section 3.08, which is amended by repealing
Subsections 3.08(b)(1)(2) and (3) of Ordinance No. 62-01 and enacting new Subsections
3.08(b)(1)(2) and (3) of Ordinance No. 62-01 to read as follows:
5 ORD NO. 63-01
(b) Vacancy in Office of Mayor.
(1) If a vacancy in the office of Mayor occurs at least sixty (60) or more
calendar days preceding the date of the next regular City election, there will be an election
to fill the Mayor's seat which will be held at the time of the next regular City election. If a
vacancy occurs in the office of Mayor less than sixty (60) calendar days preceding the date
of the regular City election, the Mayor shall be elected at a special election to be held on
the second Tuesday in May. If a special election is held to fill the office of Mayor, those
persons who previously qualified to run for the Mayor's seat and other candidates who
qualif~ pursuant to this Charter and Chapter 3z[ of the Code of Ordinances may run for
the Mayor's seat to be filled at the special election. Notwithstanding anything to the
contrary, the Mayor elected at the special election shall assume office at the first regular
meeting after being elected.
(2) When a vacancy occurs in the office of Mayor, the Vice-Mayor shall
automatically succeed to the office of Mayor and shall serve until the last Thursday in
March following the next regular City election. Thereafter, the Vice-Mayor shall return to
his or her former seat and complete the remainder of his or her Commission term if any
part thereof remains unexpired. If a special election is called to fill a vacancy in the office
of Mayor, the Vice-Mayor selected at the organizational meeting shall serve until a new
Mayor is seated and shall thereafter return to his or her seat.
(3) The succession of the office of Mayor by the Vice-Mayor shall create
a vacancy in the Commission. The vacancy on the Commission shall be filled in the
manner set forth in this Charter except the Commissioner appointed to fill the vacancy
created on the Commission as a result of a vacancy in the office of Mayor that occurs sixty
(60) days or more before the next election shall serve only until the last Thursday in March
following the next regular City election. If a vacancy occurs on the Commission as a result
of a vacancy in the office of Mayor less than sixty (60) days before the next election, the
Commission seat shall remain vacant, notwithstanding anything to the contrary within this
Charter until after the assumption of office of the Mayor after the special election.
Section 5.
follows:
That Section 1, 2, 3 and 4 of this ordinance shall be effective as
If Question 1 in Ordinance No. 62-01 is not approved by the electors but the
electors approve of the question in Section 6 of this ordinance, then only Section 1 and
Section 3 of this ordinance shall have passed and Section 2 and Section 4, which amend
Ordinance No. 62-01 will be null and void. However, if Ordinance No. 62-01 is approved
by the electors and the electors as herein provided approve of the question set forth in this
Section 6 herein, then Section 2 and Section 4 of this Ordinance No. 63-01 shall have
6 ORD NO. 63-01
passed and Section 1 and Section 3, which amends the Charter as currently set forth, will
be null and void. If the electors disapprove of the question provided for in this ordinance,
then this ordinance will be deemed null and void in its entirety.
Section 6. This ordinance shall be effective as provided in Section 5 above.
The majority of the electors voting at the election to be held March 12, 2002, shall either approve
or disapprove of the question which will be presented substantially as follows:
Question 2
CHARTER REVISION RELATING TO THE FILLING OF A VACANCY IN
THE OFFICE OF MAYOR.
A CITY OF DELRAY BEACH CHARTER AMENDMENT REQUIRING A
SPECIAL ELECTION TO BE HELD IF A MAYORAL VACANCY OCCURS
LESS THAN 60 DAYS BEFORE THE NEXT REGULAR ELECTION,
PROVIDING FOR ASSUMPTION OF OFFICE, CLARIFYING THE TERMS
OF THE MAYOR AND COMMISSIONER WHEN FILLING A MAYORAL
VACANCY, PROVIDING FOR EXTENDED QUALIFYING PERIODS IN
THE EVENT OF SUCH SPECIAL ELECTION AND RELATED MATTERS.
SHOULD THE ABOVE-DESCRIBED CHARTER AMENDMENT BE
ADOPTED?
YES (FOR APPROVAL) ....
NO (AGAINST APPROVAL)_____
Section 7. That upon the approval of this ordinance by the electors as set forth
above, all ordinances or parts of ordinances or Charter provisions or parts of Charter provisions in
conflict herewith shall be and the same are hereby repealed as of the effective date of this
ordinance.
Section 8. That if any clause, section or other part of this ordinance shall be
declared invalid or unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remainder of this
ordinance shall not be affected thereby but shall remain in full force and effect.
Section 9. That this ordinance shall become effective upon passage on second
and final reading and in accordance with Section 5 herein.
7 ORD NO. 63-01
the
ATTEST:
PASSED AND ADOPTED in regular session on second and final reading on this
.... day of .............. ,2001.
City Clerk
First Reading.
Second Reading.
MAYOR
8 ORD NO. 63-01
RESOLUTION NO. 72-01
Question 2
Rev. 11/30/01
A RESOLIYI'ION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
DELRAY BEACH, FLORIDA, CALLING FOR A SPECIAL ELECTION
ON A CHARTER CHANGE TO BE HELD ON MARCH 12, 2002, TO
PROVIDE FOR A REFERENDUM ON THE CHARTER CHANGE
PRESENTED IN ORDINANCE NO. 63-01 PROVIDING FOR THE TIME,
MANNER AND MEANS OF HOLDING SAID ELECTION, PROVIDING
A SAVING CLAUSE AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, Ordinance No. 63-01 mends the City Charter by requiring a special election to fill ·
vacancy in the office of Mayor, requiring an election if less than 60 days remain before the next election,
addresses the assumption of office, qualifications, and related matters; and
WHEREAS, the City of Delray Beach desires to call for a special election on the matter; and
WHEREAS, the City Commission directs the City Clerk to take all steps necessary to hold a special
election and to provide all notices required in accordance with Article V, "Elections" of the Charter of the
City of Delray Beach and General Law; and
WHEREAS, the City Commission of the City of D¢lray Beach directs that the special election on
the Charter change proposed in Ordinance No. 63-01 be held on March 12, 2002.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
DELRAY BEACH, FLORIDA, AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. That the City Commission incorporates the "Whereas" clauses set forth above as if fully
set forth herein.
Section 2. That the City Commission authorizes the holding of a special election on the Charter
change presented in Ordinance No. 63-01
Section 3.
12, 2002.
That the City Commission hereby sets the date of the election to be held on March
,Section 4. That the City Commission hereby authorizes the City Clerk to provide all notices and
to take all steps necessary to hold the referendum as hereby provided.
Section 5. That this resolution shall become effective immexiiately upon passage.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this
day of .... ,2002.
ATTEST:
MAYOR
City Clerk
Question2
Rev. 11/30/01
NOTICE OF SPECIAL ELECTION
The City of Delray Beach, Florida, hereby gives notice, pursuant to Florida Statutes
§100.342, that a Special Election shall be held on March 12, 2002 on the Charter proposed by
Ordinance No. 63-01 to wit:
CHARTER REVISION RELATING TO THE FILLING OF A VACANCY IN
THE OFFICE OF MAYOR.
A CITY OF DELRAY BEACH CHARTER AMENDMENT REQUIRING A
SPECIAL ELECTION TO BE HELD IF A MAYORAL VACANCY OCCURS
LESS THAN 60 DAYS BEFORE THE NEXT REGULAR ELECTION,
PROVIDING FOR ASSUMPTION OF OFFICE, CLARIFYING THE TERMS
OF THE MAYOR AND COMMISSIONER WHEN FILLING A MAYORAL
VACANCY, PROVIDING FOR EXTENDED QUALIFYING PERIODS IN
THE EVENT OF SUCH SPECIAL ELECTION AND RELATED MATTERS.
SHALL THE ABOVE-DESCRIBED CHARTER AMENDMENT BE
ADOPTED?
YES (for approval)
NO (against approval)
CITY OF DELRAY BEACH, FLORIDA
PUBLISH: The News
Barbara Garito
City Clerk
[This publication shall be made at least twice, once in the fifth week and once in the third week
prior to the week in which the referendum is to be held, at least 30 days prior to the referendum
date.]
I~,~C~0NTORLLAVACANCYINTHE TO R[OR,G~4IT~: ~ 00RRECT
I~ A V~.,ANCY OREAIED BY I~E
RUJG OF VAG4~CIES IN
OFI~E Of Vt(~-MAY(~ MD CI~ C~erk
OF 11.~ V1CE MAYOP,. Al~ I~EPUTY
FRS-, BY REPEAUNG SECTION 3 01(c)
~ ~ A ~ S~CTtON
SECTION (a), TO PROVIDE 'IHAT
CO~S.mONER MID/OR 'llqE
ITS 04JRING AN ELECTED TERM
WXNG ~ Bq~ECTN~ ~
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